The governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, said on Wednesday that his administration had approved the transmission of a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking to outlaw same-sex marriage and other practices the government described as immoral.
The approval was given during the 31st Executive Council meeting at the Government House Annex in Kwankwasiyya City, according to a statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
Mr. Yusuf said the measure reflects his administration’s commitment to defending the religious and cultural values of the state, which is one of Nigeria’s most populous and predominantly Muslim regions.
“My administration will not compromise on the values and teachings of Islam,” Mr. Yusuf said. “Under no circumstance will we allow acts that contradict our religion and traditions to take root in Kano. This government is duty-bound to protect the moral integrity of our society.”
The proposed legislation specifically targets same-sex marriage as well as two locally known practices — Madigo and Luwadi — which the state government considers forbidden.
Once enacted, the law would impose strict penalties on anyone found guilty of engaging in or promoting such practices, officials said.
Mr. Yusuf added that he expects lawmakers to move quickly. “The Assembly will treat this bill with urgency, given its importance to the moral and social wellbeing of the state,” he said.